Nancy K. Rogge (Cooley)

Nancy K. Rogge (Cooley)
1948 – 2024

BATTLE CREEK - Nancy K. Rogge, 76, of Battle Creek, answered the call of her Lord and Savior, and took his hand as he gently called her home on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at her home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at the Ida Grove Skate Palace of Ida Grove. Rev. Kevin J. Freese will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be dedicated to a charitable organization that was dear to Nancy.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Nancy Kay Rogge, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Oct. 10, 2024, at the age of 76. Born on July 12, 1948, in Fort Dodge, to Frank and Vivian Cooley, Nancy grew up alongside her older brother, Roger Cooley.

Nancy pursued education with dedication, earning an associate degree from Fort Dodge’s Iowa Central Community College, where she met Chuck in an art class. After spending a year working in Minneapolis, she joined Chuck at Mankato State University, where Nancy completed her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology. They married on July 2, 1971, and the rest is history.

Nancy and Chuck raised four children—Stacy, Steffany, Beau, and MacKinzie—and their home was filled with warmth, care, and a deep sense of togetherness and loving humor. Nancy took immense pride in her role as a mother and grandmother, nurturing her family with boundless love. She was the best grandma, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Nancy worked in the local school system where she held various roles throughout her career, most notably her role as school secretary, where she formed meaningful relationships and her “second” family. She retired in 2010, but the impact she left on students and staff was lasting—her warmth and kindness were unforgettable. Likewise, her presence was deeply felt as an active member of the First Presbyterian Church.

In 2022, Nancy was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that gradually took away her ability to speak, making it difficult for her to communicate in the way she loved. Despite this, her strength and spirit remained unshaken, and she continued to engage with her family and friends in every way she could. Chuck became her loving caregiver, taking extraordinary care of her during this difficult journey with unwavering love and devotion.

Nancy had a lifelong love for water, beginning with childhood summers spent at her family’s cabin on Pelican Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. She and Chuck spent their summers at Flathead Lake in Montana for the last 20 years, creating cherished memories with family. They traded sails for speed with their beloved, yellow Cobalt boat. Weekends at Lake Okoboji and summers on Flathead Lake were filled with family fun, joy, and tradition.

If you knew Nancy, you loved her. Humble, quick-witted, with a wonderful sense of humor, Nancy was always ready to share a story or a smile. Her class and grace created space for everyone, and made you feel important and valued. Nancy’s cooking brought the family together, her laughter and strength brightened every room. Her family was her greatest achievement, and she was a constant source of love and encouragement in their lives.

Nancy was truly selfless, dedicating her life to helping her husband and children succeed and shaping them into the people they are today. She led her family on countless adventures—some planned and others spontaneous. Each moment creating cherished memories and a source of joy and laughter. She was her family’s bellwether and true north—providing guidance on everything from recipes, dates, names, proper etiquette to key life moments and challenges. Her unwavering love and support will be deeply missed by her husband of 52 years, Charles, and their children: Stacy of Missoula, Montana; Steffany (Jason Kindseth) of Missoula, Montana; Beau (Shonda Rogge) of Battle Creek; and MacKinzie (Masaki Murayama) of Chicago, Illinois. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren–Rogge (26), Sage (22), Boone (18), Sloan (16), Maison (4), and Kruse (1)—as well as many dear friends and extended family.

She loved Hallmark Movies, Christmas decorations, long road trips, smooth boat rides in the warm sun, her dogs, birdwatching, reading, and spending time with her family. A life well-lived.

Services: Celebration of Life, Thursday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m., Ida Grove Skate Palace

Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home • Battle Creek • 712-365-4446